Jacob Rimmer will be seeing Santa this weekend “for one last time”, his family said
16:45, 27 Nov 2025Updated 16:51, 27 Nov 2025
Jacob Rimmer(Image: Supplied)
A boy has been given months to live after being diagnosed with a debilitating condition. Jacob Rimmer, from Netherton, was described by his mum, Gemma Rimmer, 33, as a normally “happy little boy”, however has been left in severe pain due to the disorder.
The 10-year-old is particularly close with his dad Kevin and his two brothers, Joel, 12 and Joseph, two. His family said he has struggled with his health from a young age and when he was just 72 hours old, he stopped breathing.
Jacob was diagnosed with non-ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH), a rare metabolic disorder which causes breathing difficulties and seizures. He also went on to be diagnosed with epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
However over the past year, his condition has worsened and the family noticed he was in more pain than usual. Last month, the family were told Jacob had gastrointestinal dystonia, a debilitating condition which causes gut failure. Symptoms include severe pain, retching and vomiting.
As a result of this diagnosis, the family have been told by doctors that Jacob only has a few months left to live. Mum Gemma told the ECHO: “His guts are failing now. He’s not absorbing his medication and he’s in a lot of pain.
“We got the diagnosis fully last month and were told he had around three months (to live) but they can’t give you an exact date.
Jacob Rimmer (centre) with his dad Kevin and his two brothers, Joel and Joseph(Image: Supplied)
“He is asleep most of the time. He has these choking episodes so he’s exhausted.”
The family have been left devastated by this news, and Gemma added: “It’s really difficult. He’s normally a happy, bubbly little boy who doesn’t let anything get in his way.
“He idolises his brothers and his dad. It’s heartbreaking that his brothers have to experience this.”
Jacob is now preparing to go into Claire House children’s hospice. Before he goes there, Gemma issued an appeal this morning on a local Facebook page to ask for a Santa to come around so Jacob could have an experience with Father Christmas.
Within hours, the visit had been booked.
Gemma said: “We did have Santa booked for next Saturday but Jacob won’t be able to make it. We wanted him to see Santa for one last time.
“It’s amazing that the community’s come together and we’re going to have one last time as a family of five with Santa. Claire House have been amazing too.”
Gemma also wants to raise awareness about Jacob’s condition. She added: “I found out about it from another lady whose little girl had it.
“I’m happy to help if it helps another mum to talk about it. There’s not many people out there you can confide in.”
A GoFundMe to support the family has also been set up. You can find out more here.